An arm lift, or Brachioplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery that treats sagging underarms by reducing extra skin, tightening and smoothing tissue, and removing extra fat. The aim of this procedure is to make the upper arms look more toned and firmer.
The natural aging process and genetics may play an important role in skin elasticity. A person may also be left with extra skin after losing a lot of weight. Regardless of the cause of the sagging skin, the arm is one of the regions that people need to face this reality.
Arm lift helps to improve the sagging appearance of the arm and gain a youthful and firmer look to the owner of that arm.
Arm lift surgery takes 2-3 hours.
Anesthesia risks
Common surgical risks
Infection
Scarring
Seroma
Fat necrosis
Changes in skin sensation
Arm lift recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. It may take a few weeks for the tissues in your arms to completely heal.
Arm lift has a success rate of 95%.
When one loses a lot of weight, chances are a fold of their skin will sag below the upper arm. Skin can also lose its elasticity as a result of aging. For several years, arm lift surgery has been regarded as an effective remedy that addresses sagging skin below the upper arm.
During this surgery, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat to reshape your arms.
For your online consultation, we will kindly ask you to send your photos as shown in the Photography Guide down below, so we can evaluate your case.
The arm lift is usually performed when the patient is under general anesthesia. If you have decided to undergo this surgery, it’s best that you carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions after having the surgery.
Although it depends on the complexity of the surgery, it normally takes up to 3 hours to complete an arm lift surgery. Once you have decided to have the surgery, you have to rest assured that each and every arm lift procedure is customized so as to match the patient’s needs, preferences, and the clinic’s practices.
Below are some of the steps you should expect to go through:
When you arrive at the clinic, you will have a face-to-face consultation with your arm lift specialist surgeon. During this session you are expected to inform the surgeon about your medical record, allergies, and if you’re currently taking any medication.
Even after telling your surgeon about your medical record, it’s mandatory that you go through some medical tests. Afterward, you will discuss the procedure in detail. If you are on the same page with your surgeon, he/she will make an illustration of what to expect by drawing marks on your arm.
When the test results are out and your surgeon is satisfied, you will be then given anesthesia. Surgeons usually prefer general anesthesia, but local anesthesia is also an option.
When the anesthesia has gone into effect, your surgeon will either make the incisions on your elbows, arms or armpits –this depends from one patient to the next. If your surgeon notices that you have stubborn adipose tissue in your upper arm, your surgeon may also use liposuction to eliminate excess fat.
Your surgeon will also cover the remaining skin on the new arm contour. When the excess skin is cut off, the incisions will be stitched together in a way that leaves your arm softer and firm. When closing the incisions, your surgeon does this carefully so as to minimize the risk of scarring.
In most cases, your surgeon is going to place sutures under the so that your body can absorb them.
After arm lift surgery, your incisions will be covered in bandages. Your arms will be wrapped in elastic bandages to minimize swelling. Small tubes might be placed in your arms to drain any excess blood or fluid.
You'll see your surgeon within a day or two after your arm lift procedure. He or she may remove your bandages and drainage tube at this visit. Your surgeon may recommend you wear a compression sleeve for a few weeks to keep swelling decreased.
You should monitor yourself carefully and be sure there are no unexpected or undesired changes that occur after your arm lift surgery. You should contact your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, redness of the skin, and a fever.
First of all, you need someone who will accompany you after the surgery. He/she also needs to stay with you for at least the first night after the surgery and help you with post-op care.
You can’t take a shower for the first 2 days after the surgery.
You should avoid raising your arms above your head for 2 to 4 weeks.
You should avoid any activity that can damage or tear the incisions for 4 to 8 weeks.
You should use the medications which will be given to you by your surgeon.
You should keep your incisions clean to avoid the risk of infection.
Taking small walks will help you get rid of the life-blocking effect of the surgery more quickly.
A week before the procedure, you should stop taking Aspirin and any other meds associated with blood thinning.
If you are allergic to any drugs, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
Patients are advised to avoid smoking 24 hours before the surgery.
Consuming any alcoholic beverages can affect anesthesia. So you should not take in anything alcoholic 24 hours prior to surgery.
If you are taking meds for chronic or acute diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, you should inform your surgeon before the surgery commences.
Procedure |
Arm Lift |
Duration |
2 - 3 hours |
Stay |
5 - 4 hotel nights |
Cost in Turkey |
€2950 - €3250 |
Anesthesia |
General anesthesia |
Recovery |
3 weeks |
Final Results |
6 months |
Side Effects |
Nerve injury, skin loss |
Risks |
Anesthesia risks, infection, blood clots |
Success Rate |
95% |
Exercise |
After 3 weeks |
Back To Work |
After 2 weeks |
Scars |
Yes (hidden) |
Pain |
No |
Related Procedures |
Is Arm Lift Painful?
You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is done. However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and discomfort.
Does Arm Lift Leave a Scar?
The incision scars caused by an arm lift procedure are usually permanent but are usually in areas that are not easily visible and are not recognized.
What Is A Mini Arm Lift?
Mini-arm lift is performed to eliminate a minor amount of excess fat and skin under the upper arms as a result of aging or fluctuations in weight.
Is Arm Lift Cost Abroad Affordable?
Yes, the procedure will be more affordable abroad and cost less in popular medical tourism locations like Turkey. But some factors affect the arm lift cost, like the clinic's location, the surgeon's experience, and the technique used.
Learn more about Arm Lift in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.